Best Free Software Options for Small Businesses
Top Computer Programs for People Running a Business on a Shoestring
Feb 1, 2009
Most small business owners need to use at least a few pieces of software to effectively manage their businesses, even if it is just a piece of publishing software so they can make a few signs and notices, and software to make a spreadsheet to keep track of expenses and income. However, software marketed to business people tends to be pricey and few startups have the cash to pay for three or four pieces of software right off the bat.
One great solution is to look for free software options that will meet the startup's needs until the company grows to need a pricey professional software option.
Word Processing Software for Small Businesses
There are quite a few free word processing software packages that are an ideal substitute for the pricey WordPerfect or Microsoft Office publishing suites.
- Open Office - This desktop publishing suite can be downloaded from Openoffice.org. Many users say it is actually better than software they paid for.
- Page Plus - Freeserifsoftware.com offers this publishing software, as well as several other options, such as a deluxe version of Page Plus for $9.99.
- Scribus - This software from Scribus.net got high marks from Consumer Reports.
- AbiWord - For business owners without a lot of extra memory, this software from Abisource.com is a great choice.
Blogging Tools for Small Businesses
In today's high tech world, a business needs more than just an online version of a Yellow Pages ad. However, paying for a webmaster, a custom website and other tools is often completely out of reach for many people who are struggling to start a business. A great solution for business owners looking for a temporary fix is to sink the available funds into a domain name and hosting. Then, they can set up a basic site and blog using free online publishing tools until they have enough cash to pay a webmaster to take over.
- WordPress - This is the most popular blogging platform. In the unlikely event that a web hosting provider does not offer CPanel and Fantastico or another easy to use interface that makes installation as simple as a few mouse clicks, WordPress can be downloaded free of charge from WordPress.org. Installation is not impossible, but can be a bit difficult for people who are complete beginners.
- TypePad - Creative business owners may want to choose TypePad as their blogging platform, since many crafters prefer TypePad and will be familiar with how to navigate through the blog, leave comments and add links from their own blogs. This platform is only free for the first 14 days, but the two-week trial period should give business owners enough time to decide whether it is the right choice for them.
- Blogger - While using Blogger isn't the ideal option for someone who wants to create a professional website, more than one business owner has done so successfully. Check out Blogger.com for this free blogging platform.
Other Great Free Programs and Applications for Small Business Owners
For business owners who are looking for a way to share documents or keep track of appointments for several people, one of the best places to look is Google. This search engine giant has created a number of great free options that can be kept completely private or shared with several other people through password protected access. In just a few seconds, business owners can sign up for a free account and begin to create documents or share calendars.
As small businesses begin to grow, owners can gradually replace free software with options that are designed specifically for businesses. However, in many cases, the free software works so well that most entrepreneurs may just opt to keep using the programs they already have in place.
